**Summary:**
In a statement released on August 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture highlighted ongoing efforts related to repatriated Indian antiquities. A Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) was signed between India and the USA in 2024, though no expenditures have been incurred specifically for preventing illegal trafficking of antiquities under the CPA's provisions. Key initiatives include the establishment of a gallery at Purana Qila, New Delhi, dedicated to confiscated and retrieved antiquities, along with the organization of exhibitions and workshops to raise public awareness. Special programs are also conducted on various occasions. The policy emphasizes careful handling procedures during repatriation, focusing on packing, transportation, and unpacking to prevent damage. Routine preservation measures are in place. Authentication reports are prepared during the repatriation process, guiding subsequent actions based on the antiquities' condition. This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. For further information, contact Sunil Kumar Tiwari at pibcultureatgmaildotcom. Release ID: 2159090.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for cultural affairs.
Indian Antiquities: Refers to antiquities originating from India.
Cultural Property Agreement: An agreement (CPA) signed between India and the USA in 2024 regarding cultural property.
USA: United States of America, a country that has signed a Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) with India.
Purana Qila, New Delhi: A historical fort in New Delhi, where a gallery on Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities has been set up.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism.
Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of the Parliament of India, where a written reply was submitted.
Ministry of Culture
Awareness and Restoration Efforts Related to
Repatriated Indian Antiquities
Posted On: 21 AUG 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi
A Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) has been signed between India and USA in 2024. No expenditure for
the prevention of illegal trafficking of the Indian Antiquities under the provisions of CPA is incurred.
Government has set up a gallery on Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities at Purana Qila, New Delhi. Several
exhibitions and workshops have been organized. Special Programmes are also conducted on various occasions
for increasing awareness among the public.
Utmost care is taken while packing, transportation and unpacking of the antiquities in the course of
repatriation to ensure no damage is caused. However, preservation of the antiquities is done as a routine
exercise. Authentication report of the antiquities is prepared during repatriation process and necessary course
of action according to the condition of antiquities is taken.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a
written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2159090)